UNAWE SpaceScoop - Fireworks in the Universe With a Record and a Twist

https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2115/fireworks-in-the-universe-with-a-record-and-a-twist/ Gamma-ray bursts, or GRBs, are huge explosions at the heart of distant galaxies — in fact, the most energetic and brightest events in the whole Universe! These bursts can last from a few milliseconds to several hours.    Astronomers classify these events into two general categories: - Short GRBs that last less than two seconds and are believed to result from the merging of neutron stars. And… - Long GRBs that last longer than two seconds and are believed to start with supernova explosions, caused by the death of massive stars.    A team using the Gemini North Observatory has just found that gamma-ray bursts do not always fit the boxes astronomers have created for them. They saw a 0.6-second GRB coming from a supernova explosion in a distant galaxy. At less than 2 seconds duration it should be the result of a neutron star merger, not a supernova! So it’s the shortest ever seen of its kind!   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs. Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too! Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://astrogear.spreadshirt.com/ for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations. Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by Astrosphere New Media. http://www.astrosphere.org/ Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].